Serious Eats Neighborhood Guides: Eric Ripert's Midtown West

Editor's note: You've already seen our New York editors' neighborhood guides, in which the SE staff—Ed, Carey, Erin, and more—chat about their favorite places to eat in their own neighborhoods. But we're branching out to other food personalities. We've heard Tom Colicchio on the West Village; here's Eric Ripert on Midtown West. —The Mgmt..

A New Yorker since crossing the Atlantic over 20 years ago, Eric Ripert has established himself as one of the top French chefs in the United States—and the world. At the age of 29, he earned a four-star rating from the New York Times in his first year as executive chef of Le Bernadin. He soon became a part-owner of the restaurant, where he has received four James Beard Awards and three Michelin stars, three years in a row. Ripert is also the Chair of City Harvest's Food Council, and somehow still finds time to enjoy a good bowl of ramen close to home, in Midtown Manhattan.

Eric's Picks

Photo: Robyn Lee

Ramen: "Totto Ramen. This is a bare bones spot but with a friendly and welcoming staff. And they have absolutely incredible ramen."

Burger, cheap: "I sometimes get a craving for the burger at Burger Joint in the lobby of the Parker Meridien hotel. I love the experience of going there and also that the burger is small enough to grab and get a bite of everything at once."

Burger, fancy: "On the opposite end of the spectrum, the burger at DB Bistro is pure decadence. You definitely need a knife and fork for it. It's iconic and a must in Midtown."

Photo: Robyn Lee

Sandwich: "Bouchon Bakery. I'm lucky to now have an outpost right by me in Rockefeller Center. I love the fresh, delicious sandwiches (and pastries of course!)."

Breakfast: "I like to have breakfast at Brasserie Cognac. It's a bright and welcoming room, the coffee is strong and the ricotta pancakes are excellent."

Wine Bar: "Ardesia Wine Bar has a big selection of wines by the glass and a menu of small plates that are really tasty and perfect for when you want to graze instead of have a full meal."

Photo: Robyn Lee

Date Night: "Jean Georges. It's a perfect spot for an elegant meal in beautiful surroundings. I always feel like I'm in the heart of New York City when I'm in their dining room."